"Yes, this servant knows her mistake. But since Master is pregnant and Master is not here, we servants are worried that Master may be unwell!" Xicha quickly said.
Lanqin didn't really blame them. She said gently, "I don't blame you. I know you all meant well for me. It's just that sometimes, you can't just stay out of trouble."
During dinner, after listening to Cui Niang and Nian Xue's report, Lan Qin's expression turned serious. News from various places indicated that the capital, and even the entire North China region, was suffering from a severe drought.
“From now on, I’ll halve my meals, and you all will too. The South Courtyard should start conserving water first. With a severe drought looming, the entire manor needs to start saving water as well. Let’s begin with the South Courtyard,” Lanqin said.
A look of worry and fear began to creep onto the faces of the maids. Being in the Fourth Prince's residence, they weren't afraid of running out of water. They were worried about their families. If they lost their water supply, it was uncertain whether they would survive the drought.
"Are you worried about your families?" Lanqin had lost her appetite. When she realized a severe drought was imminent, she felt a pang of unease, worrying both for the common people and for the child in her womb. After all, this was the Qing Dynasty, a time rife with feudal superstition. Would her unborn child be considered an omen of bad luck?
"My lady, please eat something. The baby in your womb is the most important thing," Cui Niang advised, noticing that Lan Qin had a rare lack of appetite.
"Well, let's have our meal first. I'll write a letter to the master later. They must already know about the drought in the capital," Lanqin said.
Meanwhile, far away at Mount Wutai, the Fourth Prince and others were keeping vigil with Emperor Kangxi for Emperor Shunzhi. They had been keeping vigil for over a month, with Emperor Kangxi ordering a priest to perform a ritual for Shunzhi every day, and they had no choice but to keep vigil alongside him.
On this day, Emperor Kangxi summoned the Fourth Prince and his entourage to his meditation room to discuss the severe drought that had begun to manifest in the capital.
"Please sit down, all of you. I've called you here today to discuss matters of the court. We've been keeping vigil for Master Xingchi for over a month, and we've held more than ten memorial services. It's time for us to return to the capital," Kangxi said.
Upon hearing this, the people present secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Some of them were unaware of the situation and didn't understand why Kangxi would keep vigil for an old monk. The Fourth Prince and the others knew, but they also began to worry about their own residences.
"Your Majesty, the drought in the capital is now evident. We must return immediately to prevent disaster and hardship for the people!" said Liao Yanzhi, a tutor in the Imperial Study who had accompanied Emperor Kangxi.
"What Minister Liao says is quite right. I have summoned you all here today to discuss the departure date. Have your entourage prepare the supplies. I will depart at any time," Kangxi said.
"Your Majesty, I request permission to mobilize local troops to escort you back to the capital. I fear the White Lotus rebels might take advantage of the chaos to assassinate you again!" the Fourth Prince said immediately.
"No need. I'll do what Han Xin did this time: secretly cross the Chencang pass." Kangxi thought his suggestion to find a substitute last time was excellent, as he hadn't been bothered by the bandits at all.
"What does Father Emperor mean?" the Fourth Prince asked.
"Minister Liao, you and all my entourage shall set off tomorrow. I will leave only the Fourth Prince, the Tenth Prince, the Fourteenth Prince, and Liang Jiugong with me. They shall disguise themselves as ordinary merchants and return to the capital via another route. As for Minister Liao, I have Qi County send troops to accompany and protect you, to draw away the White Lotus rabble, and then strike them down in one fell swoop," Kangxi said.
"Yes, Your Majesty, I will obey Your Majesty's decree." Liao Yanzhi stood up and said to Kangxi.
The Fourth Prince and the others immediately stood up. Although they were surprised by Kangxi's sudden decision, they had no choice but to comply.
After leaving Kangxi's meditation room, Fourteenth Prince immediately walked quickly to Fourth Prince's side, grabbed his arm and said, "Fourth Brother, I have a question, but I couldn't say it in Father's room just now."
Looking at the Fourteenth Prince's expression, the Fourth Prince said irritably, "You dare to speak freely in front of Father Emperor, what else are you afraid to say?"
Fourteen said apologetically, "Fourth Brother, what about Xiniu? Our chief constable promised her. Now she comes up the mountain to look for me every few days. I've warned her several times not to go up the mountain so casually, but she won't listen. Now that we're leaving, where is she going?"
The Fourth Prince rolled his eyes at the Fourteenth Prince, still feeling that it was highly inappropriate for him to casually take a commoner woman into his harem. However, Emperor Kangxi had already promised the Fourteenth Prince in front of the woman. Now, this Xi Niu was clinging to the Fourteenth Prince, coming to see him at the drop of a hat.
"Fourth Brother, say something! It's not appropriate for her to go with Liao Yanzhi and the others," Fourteenth Brother said anxiously.
"Take care of your own affairs. Doesn't she like dressing as a man? Why doesn't she just dress as a man? It'll be more convenient that way," Fourth Master said angrily. This twin brother of his always bothers him with things like this; he's really annoying.
After saying that, the Fourth Master turned and left, leaving the Fourteenth Master standing there, looking hesitantly at the Fourth Master's retreating figure.
"Hmph, he's back to his cold-faced, stinky ways. I'm going to tell Father Emperor!" Fourteenth Prince was embarrassed by being scolded by Fourth Prince in front of him.
When the Fourteenth Prince arrived at Kangxi's place, Kangxi was already packing his things. When he was discussing Buddhism and Taoism with Xingchi, Xingchi had given Kangxi a batch of books, and now he wanted to take them all with him, but there were more books than when he arrived.
"You little rascal, what are you doing standing there?" Kangxi saw the Fourteenth Prince come in to see him and knew that he must have something to do, so he roared affectionately.
"Father, I have something to ask you." Fourteen was already nineteen, but because he was pampered by Consort De, his mental age was always a bit younger than his actual age.
"Speak, what is it that you didn't say just now?" Kangxi looked at the Fourteenth Prince with a worried expression and then smiled.
"I was too embarrassed to say this in front of so many people. What I want to talk about is that girl, Xiniu. Ever since Father Emperor promised her that she could enter my household, she has come to the mountain to see me almost every few days. Now that I am leaving, what should I do with that girl?" Fourteenth Prince had never been pursued by a woman like this before, and he felt a growing fondness for Xiniu.
"So what do you mean? Do you actually want her to be your concubine?" Upon hearing this, Kangxi suppressed his smile and asked.
"Your Majesty, I have also developed some affection for Xiniu. She is different from any of the women Father and Mother have given to me before. I want to take her back with me," the Fourteenth Prince said, blushing.
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